David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, delivered a pointed address at the G20 meeting of foreign ministers held in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he directly condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine. His remarks come amid ongoing discussions surrounding the future of the country, particularly as peace talks between the United States and Russia commenced earlier in the week.
Mr Lammy's speech underscored the necessity of a respectful dialogue towards Ukraine's sovereignty, a stance he urged the Russian government to adopt. He stated, "You know, mature countries learn from their colonial failures and their wars, and Europeans have had much to learn over the generations and the centuries. But I'm afraid to say that Russia has learned nothing," emphasizing the perceived intransigence of Moscow under President Vladimir Putin.
The opening session was notable for the absence of the Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, who departed shortly before Mr Lammy spoke. This action sparked remarks from Mr Lammy, who expressed disappointment in not hearing "some sympathy for the innocent victims of the aggression" during Lavrov's earlier contribution. He later characterised Lavrov's commentary as "the logic of imperialism dressed up as realpolitik," and asserted that Britain is prepared to engage in discussions that uphold Ukraine's sovereignty.
Mr Lammy's remarks were officially released following a technical mishap that left the live streaming of his speech interrupted, leaving observers primarily reliant on recounted transcripts. According to Mr Lammy, achieving a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine must align with the principles set forth in the United Nations Charter. He remarked, "If Putin is serious about a lasting peace, it means finding a way forward which respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and the UN Charter which provides credible security guarantees."
The summit was further complicated by diplomatic tensions affecting international attendance. Notably, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was absent from the meeting, with reported strains in relations between South Africa and Washington.
Later, commenting on the broader implications of Russia's actions, Mr Lammy expressed scepticism regarding the country's true desire for peace, suggesting it could be accomplished "by leaving Ukraine tomorrow." His remarks resonate within a context where foreign policy and military strategies concerning Ukraine continue to evolve amid mounting global concerns.
As the landscape of international diplomacy shifts, the G20 meeting served as a platform for prominent voices to articulate their positions on the ongoing conflict, marking a significant moment amid the broader geopolitical landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services